Quick injury update

Andreas Karlsson (abdominal strain) will not play the first two games of the regular season, though coach John Tortorella said he expects him to play next week. That means Mathieu Darche starts on left wing on Chris Gratton's third line with Jason Ward on the right. ... Trainer Tommy Mulligan said they finally got the protective contact lens in Gratton's right eye. That should help the healing process and reduce the scar tissue that is blurring his vision. Gratton, who has a corneal abrasion and was hurt on the second shift of the Lightning's first preseason game, will play in the opener and wear a visor for the first time in his career.

Bonus coverage: Tim Taylor was at Wednesday's practice. Still limping from his hip surgery but he said the pain is more irritating than debilitating and he can now drive. Said the "biggest'' thing was going to get his hair cut. "Just to get out of the house.''